Inadequate funding responsible for poor health indices in Nigeria – Expert

The Chief Medical Director, Central Hospital, Edo State, Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, has attributed the poor health indices in the country to poor funding of specialist training in Nigeria.

Speaking at the  weekend in Benin while delivering a lecture at the 39th Ordinary General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD), Dr. Ugbodaga advocated improved funding and  training of  doctors in the nation’s teaching hospitals and other postgraduate training institutions.

“Inadequate funding of specialists’ training in Nigeria is fuelling the unacceptable health indices in the country. There is urgent need to take steps to reverse this trend.”

Ugbodaga stressed the need to incorporate a systematic management and leadership training scheme in the curriculum of medical students and resident doctors.

According to him, this  would ensure the production of medical managers with innovative and dynamic idea  who takes management positions with a clear vision, maintain integrity, and express empathy to both patients and staff.

“These are the best way to solve some of the greatest challenges of healthcare administration in Nigeria.

Ugbodaga however called for more rotational approach in the appointment of Chief Resident position among senior resident doctors during their training, with a view to giving them equal opportunities in leadership and expose them to the management of men and materials and move the health sector forward.